Following the incident, the medical examiner’s office tightened its policy regarding the release of remains. In the past, funeral home workers were required to review them and sign a form acknowledging receipt, according to the spokesman.

Now, a medical examiner’s office staff member will also review the remains along with the funeral home worker.

Cook County Medical Examiner Stephen Cina said in a statement that his office “investigates about 4,500 cases each year and places the utmost importance on its responsibilities for the care of the deceased in Cook County.

“While this was an isolated incident, it is unacceptable,” Cina said. “We are investigating how it occurred, and will take appropriate steps, including disciplinary action, to ensure it will never happen again.”

The owner of the funeral home that handled the arrangements for the man killed in Palatine declined to comment.